John Lewis sales up 5.1% last week
In the week in which it launched its hotly anticipated TV advert, John Lewis saw its sales rise by 5.1% year-on-year last week.
The colder weather meant that customers turned to the retailer’s winter assortments. This helped fashion to post a 6% increase in sales with girls’ onesies, men’s slippers and cashmere roll neck jumpers all performing well.
Home sales climbed by 9.2% year-on-year boosted by a 31% increase in sales of bedroom furniture and 12% growth in sofa beds. Faux fur bed throws and electric blankets were also popular with customers.
Meanwhile, electricals and home technology saw more modest growth at 1%. Sales of washer dryers were up 18% year-on-year while the colder weather drove a 115% increase in sales of heating products on the previous week.
The week also saw the launch of the Christmas advert, ‘Monty’s Christmas‘, which the retailer says has received over 16 million views on social media. The advert racked up 7 million views on social media in 24 hours, seven times as many as at the same point last year. By the end of the week ‘Monty’ became the most searched for term on the John Lewis website.
Andrew Murphy, retail director at John Lewis, said: “With the weather turning colder, our customers have really shifted into winter mode. They’ve been purchasing duvets, throws and electric blankets along with preparing their homes for Christmas guests with increasing sales of sofa beds and bedroom furniture.
“It’s also pleasing to see such a strong result from our fashion assortment after the impact of warmer temperatures earlier this season.”
